'If you tell me I can't, I'll tell you I will.'

In our WISE WORDS interview series, we pose a string of questions to a host of celebrities from a variety of different fields - and who could be more qualified to share their important life lessons than two-time Olympic gold medalist Nicola Adams?

We sat down with Nicola to talk about the advice that keeps her going, how her Northern roots keep her grounded and what’s left on her to-do list (spoiler alert: it involves Mexican food and a big cocktail).

What do you do to switch off from the world?I normally tend to play on my PlayStation, or chill out with my friends, either at the movies or a bit of clubbing.

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Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and her gold medal

How do you deal with negativity?I deal with it by just not thinking about it, I’m not really the sort of person who reads comments on social media. You have to remember to take everything with a pinch of salt, because that’s just one person’s opinion.

When and where are your happiest?I’m happiest when I’m at home with my family.

What’s been the best advice that you’ve ever been given?The best advice, I guess, is to never doubt yourself and always strive to fulfill your dreams, no matter how many people say that you can’t do it. If you tell me I can’t, I’ll tell you I will.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn?That’s a good one… the hardest lesson that I’ve had to learn is that you can’t win at everything.

What would you tell your 13-year-old self?If I could tell my 13-year-old self anything, I’d say stay confident, you’re doing really well and you’re going to be a great person who achieves great things when you get older - just keep it up.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images

Nicola now has two Olympic gold medals, following the 2016 Rio games

What three things are left on your to-do list?To go on holiday, to have some Mexican food and drink some piña coladas.

What do you think happens when we die?I’d hope that when I die, I’ll go to somewhere that’s really nice and where I can still continue to do boxing. And because it would be my heaven, I’d always win.

When do you get a feeling that we’re in the presence of something bigger than ourselves?I guess when I win gold in tournaments. It’s a surreal feeling, and I guess that would be my kind of feeling.

GOH CHAI HIN via Getty Images

Nicola in the ring

What do you try to bring to your relationships?I try to bring fun, laughter and love.

What keeps you grounded?My family and friends keep me grounded - and I definitely think being a Northerner has kept me grounded!

What was the last act of kindess or good deed that you received?It was actually from the nation - the whole nation supporting me through the Olympic games in Rio. Thank you!

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Fireworks go off over the Rio Olympic Games 2016 Closing Ceremony at the Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Gregory Bull/AP

People look on as the Olympic cauldron flame is extinguished.

Gregory Bull/AP

Light from a street lamp reflects off the Olympic cauldron after the flame was extinguished.

Chris Carlson/AP

Artists perform during the closing ceremony.

Chris Carlson/AP

Matt Dunham/AP

Artists perform during the closing ceremony.

Matt Dunham/AP

David Goldman/AP

United States' Armando Polk wears a dancer's hat as she dances during the closing ceremony.